Lewmar winch equivalent?

[grluecke]

I have bronze LEWMAR “10” winches on my CD30, and I was considering replacing them with self-tailing 2-speed winches.

It appears that the "10" must be discontinued at Lewmar, I can't find much on this size, and the current line lists different numbers.

Does anyone have an idea what the equivalent size for a new winch would be?

Any other thoughts would be welcome.

[bottomscraper]

Lewmar, Harken and Anderson have a sizing chart based on boat size and sail area:


http://www.lewmar.com/cms/assets/1/cate ... _guide.pdf
http://tradeonly.harken.com/pdf/RadialWinchBook-lr.pdf
http://www.mauriprosailing.com/Andersen ... -guide.htm

Rigging Only aka Rigging and Hardware usually has good prices and good service:

http://www.riggingonly.com/
https://www.riggingandhardware.com/default.aspx

[grluecke]

Thanks for that info, Rich, I had seen some of it, but does anyone know what the base bolt pattern is for the Lewmar #10? I see close sizes on the Lemar site, 8, 15, 16 (chart suggests 30) but no info on #10. I have not removed mine to see how these bolt onto the bronze supports on my CD30.

I'm not sure I'll ever justify the $$$ on new winches...

Has anyone had any experience with these Watsky Winchers, available at Defender? Rubber rings that convert non-tailing to tailing, according to the advertisement.

There is a video on Youtube, search "Watsky Wincher"...

Looks like it works all right...still a hundred bucks a pair.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Has anyone had any experience with these Watsky Winchers, available at Defender? Rubber rings that convert non-tailing to tailing, according to the advertisement.

There is a video on Youtube, search "Watsky Wincher"...

Looks like it works all right...still a hundred bucks a pair.

I was thinking of replacing my Lewmar #7s for the Genoa sheets with self-tailing bronze winches. Even at Strictly Sail prices, it would have been about $1,100 to install two self-tailing bronze winches.

I have a friend in Miami who has these Watski Self Tailer Winchers on her Cape Dory 33. She recommended them.

I installed them last week. They cost about $50 for a pair. The prices you see on Defender website are for a pair of "winchers". Your price should be $54-$58 for a pair.

They are difficult to install. Very tight. Soak in hot, soapy water per instructions. Make sure they are not installed upside down. Very easy to make this mistake. Make sure the underside where the line will "bite" has small grooves. The topside is smooth. Also, when wrapping you must go all the way up the winch throat to get the line to "bite" on the small grooves. I usually did 3 wraps before the winchers. The other day, during my first try with them, I believe I did 4 wraps. Once wrapped the line slides fairly easily into the "self-tailer" part of the wincher.

I have only used them that one time. Winds were 8-10 kts. I was happy with them. I do not yet know how they will hold up at 20+kt winds. I will use them through Oct/Nov when I plan to haul out for work - thru hulls, topside paint, etc. If not still happy with them I will somehow justify the purchase of Harken self-tailing bronze winches.

[johnny of STORK]

I replaced the OEM winches on Stork (CD-30) with Lewmar 30 2 spd self-tailers, and have never looked back. I had to drill a new hole (I think just 1) in the bronze bases, but by rotating the base of the new winches a little, I was able to get the new hole(s) well away from the originals. This didn't involve rotating the top of the winch, or tailing angle, as that is adjusted when you install the drum, anyway. Yes, it is expensive, but, besides new sails and roller furler, this is the biggest improvement you can make for user convenience on your boat. In heavy air, with aging bodies, it is almost necessary. The little rubber thingys (Wincher, etc.) don't work in any kind of air in which you really need them; I have tried them on other boats.

Johnny

[frankfurder]

I recently replaced my Lewmar 7's with Lewmar 15ST Evo's for $878 from Marine.com/Sailnet. I did have to drill 5 new holes in the bronze mounts but it is a soft metal and easy drilling. for singlehanding i couldnt agree more with Johnny of stork, that it is the best upgrade next to roller furling and new sails.

[Evergreen]

We just added larger; moved; and replaced several winches on Evergreen. Yes, Lewmar does still make bronze Ocean series winches! However, they are going to be going out of production in the future. Parts will still be available for at least 10 years from the stop date. Lewmar is moving on to the Evo series in the future. I believe the winch number is usually the gear ratio so it should be reasonably easy to compare models (correct me if I am wrong). The bronze models come in two flavors: bronze with a black plastic top; and all bronze.